Sunder Kand with Hanuman Chalisa

Spiritual Hindu Calender

Categories

e Books

What is Navratri ? " Navratri " or "Navaratri " literally means "nine nights." Navratri is celebrated twice a year, once at the beginning of the New Samvatsar (Hindu New year) in Summers and again at the onset of winter. Navratri or Navratra are therefore known as Chaitra Navratra and Shaardeya Navratra on the basis of their occ […]

The Mahabharatha, is the greatest, longest and one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. With more than 74,000 verses, plus long prose passages, or some 1.8 million words in total, it is one of the longest epic poems in the world. This wonderful Grantha (Sacred book) was composed by Bhagvan Sri Veda Vyasa (Krishna Dv […]

Bhagvan Shri Adi Sankara was one of the greatest saints of his time.He was born in a Brahmin family in Kerala. After brahmopadesa, as is usual during those times, Bramhmachari were asked to beg alms for his lunch. One day when little Adi Shankara went to a Brahmin house, the lady of the house was so poor that she did not have anything to give him. She search […]

The Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, also known as Devi Purana, was composed into 12 chapters, containing 18000 verses by the great Veda Vyasa. Though classified as an upa-purana it is the only purana Vedavyasa called "Maha Purana" meaning the great purana.

Sri Devi Mahathmyam is one of the most enduring and popular Hindu scriptures of all times, filled with the stories and the exploits of the Mother Goddess, as she assumes various forms and avatars, from time to time to vanquish evil and restore righteousness and goodness in the world. The seven hundred verses of Devi Mahathmyam form one of the cornerstones of […]

"Namo nama Shri Guru padukabhyam"Episode 61:Ravan sends his men to Kumbhakaran's palace to wake him up from his deep sleep. They take mountains of food for him and try to awaken him with their shouts, drums and trumpets. At last, Kumbhakaran gets up and has his meal. He is told about the war and the humiliation Ravan is suffering. Ravan goes t […]

"Namo nama Shri Guru padukabhyam"Ramayan Episode 51:Ravan discusses the matter with his courtiers and sends Sukh to seduce Sugriv from his loyalty to Shri Ram. Sukh meets Sugriv and says: "You are a king and Ravan is another. Earn his friendship instead of risking your life for helping a disinherited prince." Sugriv sends him back, saying […]

"Namo nama Shri Guru padukabhyam"Valmiki advises her to give up attachment which binds mortals to Earth. King Janak visits Ayodhya.02-11King Janak's conversation with Shri Ram. He shows Ram the letter Sita left him and tells Ram that he is proud to have a daughter like Sita.02-12Janak asks Ram to visit Mithila because Devi Sunayana is unwell.G […]

"Namo nama Shri Guru padukabhyam" [Armour of Hanuman with Five Faces]Translated by P. R. Ramachander Sri Hanuman Ji assumed this form to kill Mahiravana, a powerful rakshasa black-magician and practitioner of the dark arts during the Ramayana war. Mahiravana had taken Lord Rama and Lakshmana captive, and the only way to kill him was to extinguish f […]

"Namo nama Shri Guru padukabhyam"Episode 13: Celebrations mark the proclamation of Shri Ram as heir to the throne Manthra provokes Kaikayee Kaikayee gets into a rage 13.113.213.313.4Episode 14: King Dashrath also gets into an angry state of mind Kaikayee requests for two wishes King Dasharath relents to his promise Bharath is hailed as future king […]

Bharat the Spiritual Guru of the World In this context The following verse (shloka) from the Mahabharat (18.5.46) is important. अष्टादश पुराणानि धर्मशास्त्राणि सर्वशः । वेदाः साङ्गास्तथैकत्र भारतं चैकतः स्थितम् ॥ Meaning : The eighteen Purans, all the scriptures (Smrutis) and the Vedas are on one side and Bharat (ancient India) on the other. (So great is the […]

The one who reads with peace, This octet on Hari, Which is the destroyer of sorrow, Would definitely reach the world of Vishnu, Which is always without sorrow, And he would never undergo sorrow ever. Continue reading →

O Thou Invisible One! O Adorable One! O Supreme! Thou permeatest and penetratest this vast universe from the unlimited space down to the tiny blade of grass at my feet. Thou art the basis for all these names and forms. Thou art the apple of my eye, the Prema of my heart, the very Life of my life, the very Soul of my soul, the Illuminator of my intellect and […]

Everything is verily a manifestation of God; where then do differences, delusion,misfortune and misery exist? They exist in the „seeing‟ without right knowledge. For as you see,so is the world. Continue reading →

INTRODUCTION Of Indian Jyothish or Hindu Jyothish or Vedic Jyothish. Vedas are the oldest, the most authentic and the most sacred scriptures to understand the mysteries of nature Vedas are oldest books in the library of the world.' The date when did the Sourya Mandal came into existence is written in " BramandPuraan ". Continue reading → […]

The terms Rudraksha literally means the "Eyes" of Shiva and is so named in His benevolence. Shiva Purana describe Rudraksha's origin as Lord Shiva's tears. He had been meditating for many years for the welfare of all creatures. On opening the eyes, hot drops of tears rolled down and the mother earth gave birth to Rudraksha trees. Continue […]

Navagraha Stotra Mala For Daily Recital for the blessing of all Nine Grahas Continue reading →

The free & open productivity suite

Google Desktop Sidebar with gadgets: Free and installs in seconds , Desktop search • Search your computer as easily as you search the web with Google • Find and launch applications and files with just a few keystrokes Sidebar with gadgets

Get a fast, free web browser

Adobe PDF Reader

Jai Guru Dev

This Blog is an Humble attempt to spread the Divine Message of Pujjya BapuJi & Dedicated at the Lotus feets SHRI CHARANKAMAL Of PARAM PUJYA GURUJI SANT SHRI ASARAM JI BAPU VishwaGuru Of the Age.

The essence of Bharata lies in Her culture of Self-realization. ParamAtman is not seen as something apart, but as our very essence, the one True Self that resides in the heart of us all. Raising ourselves from ordinary individuals to the heights of Supreme Consciousness is only possible with the guidance of one who is already in that transcendent state. Such a one is called a Satguru, a True Yogi, as in one who has gained mastery over the mind, one who is beyond the mind.

From ancient times up to the present day, an unbroken succession of Self-realized Saints have incarnated in the Land of Yogis & Saints Bharata to lead seekers of Truth to the ultimate reality.

ThankU

Haribodhini or Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Jagi Dev uthi ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during the waxing phase of moon (Shukl Paksh) in the month of Kartik (October – November). On this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up from his Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) after the four holy months of the rainy season (Chaturmaas). This Ekadashi also marks the official end of Chaturmaas.

The greatness of observing a fast on Dev Prabodhini Ekadasi was narrated to Sage Narada by Lord Brahma and is found in the Skand Puraan.

Lord Brahma said to Narada Muni, “O best of the brahmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the Ganges remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadashi does not come. This sacred Ekadashi is more powerful in nullifying sin than one thousand Ashvamedha sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices.

The sins a person has accumulated over a thousand previous births are burned to ashes if he not only fasts but also remains awake throughout Ekadashi night, just as a mountain of cotton can be burned to ashes if one lights a small fire in it. Even if one does a small amount of pious activity on this day, following the rules and regulations, one will earn merit equal to Mount Sumeru in volume.

Anyone who observes Haribodhini Ekadasi is celebrated as highly qualified and makes his dynasty famous. As death is certain, so losing one’s wealth is also certain.Knowing this, O best of sages, one should observe a fast on this day so dear to Hari – Shri Haribodhini Ekadashi.

Haribodhini Ekadashi is the best Ekadashi. Nothing is unobtainable or rare in this world for one who fasts on this day, for it gives food grains, great wealth, and high merit, as well as eradication of all sin. Again I say to you, O Naradaji, whatever merit is earned by one who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, performs sacrifices, and studies the Vedas, is only one ten-millionth the merit earned by the person who fasts but once on Haribodhini Ekadashi.”

If a devotee does “aarti” of Lord Shri Hari on this holy day with camphor (capoor) or with karpooram on this holy day of Deva Jagi ekadashi specially at the evening time, then s/he is protected “life long” by the Lord from untimely death (akaal-mrityu) due to accidents, bomb blasts, etc. In these times of uncertainty, all readers are requested to kindly benefit from this precept of our scriptures by performing the Lord’s “aarti” with camphor on this day.

Kali Chaudas Narak Chaturdashi 2/11/2013
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as “Chhoti Diwali” or Kali Chaudas is a Hindu festival, which falls on the second day of the festival of Diwali.
Kali means Dark and Chaudas – Fourteenth. Thus, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Kartik, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti.
this holy night is also called Kaalratri

The Second Day is called Narak-Chaturdashi or more popularly as Chhoti Diwali which falls on the 14th day of the month of Kartik. This festival is observed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king, Narkasur. This day is also celebrated as the birthday of Hanumanji or Hanuman jayanti. Also, on this day Hanumanji reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Shree Sita Rama’s return. Just like diwali people light diyas on chhoti diwali to fill their homes with light, worship Goddess Laxmi and offer prayers to Her and they also burst firecrackers

Also referred to as Narak-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine light on life.

Narak Chaturdashi Snan is considered as the most auspicious ritual to perform on this day. It is believed that this festival marks the ending of darkness and beginning of brightness or happiness in the world.

Narak Chaturdashi:
The prayer to chant just before Naraka Chaturdashi Snan:

The strength to protect others is referred as Kali,
The poojan is performed with flowers Coconuts are also offered as prashad to Hanumanji.

Kali means Dark ( the destroyer of evil ) and Chaudas – Fourteenth. Thus, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Āshwin month, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti and is believed that on this day Kali killed the wickedest. Also referred to as Narak-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine light on life. The strength to protect others is referred as Kali, and if its used for God’s work is called Mahakali.
The poojan is performed with oil, flowers, Chanda and Coconuts are also offered to Hanumanji and prasad
The rituals of Kali Choudas is strongly based on Tantra & Mantra sadhana concept of Spiritual Hinuduism

On this night, the kajal made from the diya or deepam with mustard oil (Sarsoo ka tel )in it, which is kept lightened the whole night has special powers,application of this kajal in the eyes or on babies forehead, is believed to keep away the nazar (evil eye).

After the puja, the diyas are placed in and around the house: in the doorway, near the Tulasi plant.
This night is very special for Mantra Siddhi
Alternatively, people offer Nivedya to the mother goddess
This goddess is called their ‘Kul Devi’, in order to cast off evil spirits.
This second day of Diwali is known as Kali Choudas .

This day celebrates the victory of the Lord Shri Krishna & his consort Satyabhama over the evil demon of filth, Narakasura.mantra & ritual on holy Narakchaturdashi

light a lamp with four wicks pointing towards four directions inthe evening of holy Narakchaturdashi

saying this mantra

datto deepaschaturdashyam narakpreetiye maya

chaturvritti samaayukthaa sarva papa apanuttaye

let the gods of Narakaloka (world ) be happy & i offer this four wicks lamps lighted in four direction for the destruction of all sinsCelebration & Traditions

The Story of King Bali :
With his valour Bali conquered every bit of space, thus he became the most powerful king on earth. In his kingdom, justice was mere word, truth had no place and happiness was a dream. His form of charity was an occasion for pomp and show and those who went to seek Alms from the king Bali suffered the indignity of insults and humiliation. In fact, he felt that the vast wealth will remain and the pittance he handed out now and again could not affect even an iota of his asset. His false beliefs, arrogance and misrule ended when the Lord disguised as beggar and humble proved to Bali that his concepts were totally wrong and even his vast wealth could disappear in seconds. King Bali asked the dwarf beggar to ask for anything in his kingdom and with three steps even his crown vanished. With his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head and became spiritually enlightened. Thus, this festival has a far deeper significance than a mere exhibition of gaiety and splendor. The Narak chaturdashi day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and the elimination of greed.
& progress towards the path of good inner peace & wisdom

Celebrations :
In South-India, people wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, which is called ‘Ubtan’, on their foreheads and then take bath.
Bathing after rubbing oil on body on this morning of Narak Chaturdashi gives Long Life & good Health

Story of Narakchaturdashi from Srimad Bhagvad Maha Puraan

In Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna, the ascendant of Lord Vishnu, killed the notorious demon Narakasura on the same day as that of Diwali.

Narakasura was the son of Goddess Bhoomi. Despite of a great parentage, he possessed devilish tendencies.
Narakasura gota boon that he may be only killed by the hands of a women as he considered them to be weak he thought he would become immortal.
After getting this boon he started terrrifying all the three worlds.
He used to loot the people of three worlds and due to the supernatural powers he had nobody could stop him. Not only he plundered their valuable things, but abducted the womenfolk too. There was a terror of Narakasura everywhere.

Once Narakasura attacked the heavens to get hold of the army of elephants of Lord Indra. Indra being helpless before the demon, immediately to Lord Krishna to ask for help. Krishna at that time was spending a leisurely time with his wife Satyabhama. In order to fulfill both his duties as a friend and as a husband he took Satyabhama at the battlefield.

On his divine vehicle Garuda (a giant eagle), Lord Krishna set for the fort of Narakasura. His grand fort was guarded by a five headed demon Mura.

Lord shri Krishna destroyed all his forts and raksha kavachs along with the whole army of demons.

With his Sudarshana flying discus, Krishna beheaded Mura and then challenged Narakasura to come to fight on the battlefield.

It was an easy victory for great Shri Krishna. Narakasura was killed by Goddess Satyabhama inthe battle.The killing of Narakasura again takes us to the message that it is inevitable for virtue and truth to win over vice and evil.

Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali Festival. The festival, also known as “Dhantrayodashi” or “Dhanwantari Triodasi”, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.

The devotee or Sadhak must first keep the photo of Guruji with Goddess Lakshmi in front
then on the red cloth before the photos keep the Dakshinavarti Shankh on the red cloth
then make or draw Swastik on the cloth by mixing saffron, holy gangajala & rose water and put a bindi or spot by kumkum vermillion that is do tilaka by kumkum atthe center of Swastika Yantra ,( tantric image diagram)

now chant the mantra 7 malas by crsytal rosary beeds
one mala is 108 times
do this sadhana of mantra chanting for three days ,for getting mantra siddhi (blessing)
then at last after chantingisdone keep the Dakshinavarti shank tied in red cloth in house
itis said till this holy Shanka is in your house prosperity & success will be always with you
jai maa Laxmi

Dhan tryodashi The first day of Deewali
Diwali also spelled Devali or Deepavali, popularly known as the “festival of lights”, is an important festival in Hinduism,Legends

Thye legend says, in the cosmic battle between the gods and the demons when both churned the ocean for ‘amrit’ or divine nectar, Dhanavantri – the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu – emerged carrying a pot of the elixir. So, according to this mythological tale, the word Dhanteras comes from the name Vaidya Raj Bhagvaan Dhanavantri, the divine doctor.

Story of Prince & Yama God of Death
An interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.
When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of “Yamadeepdaan” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yama, the god of Death.

Blessing lamp for Bhagvan Yama & devi Shyamala

On Dhanteras or Dhavantari tryodashi’s holy evening lighting a diya (lamp) is very auspicious
& get blessing of Yama

light a lamp in the evening ( just dark after sunset) saying this holy mantra

Mrityunaa paashdandaabhyaam kaalena shyaamayaa saha

Tryodashyaam deepadaanaat suryajaha priyataamm mama

let the Lord of mrityu & kaala God Yama carrying danda & pasha in his hands & with goddess shyamala be happy & hav their blessings on me by the lightning of this lamp on this holyday of tryodashi

According to Srimad Bhagvad Maha Puraan when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanvantari (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.

Preparations

To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Traditions

On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase any new thing which bring Happines to one ‘s heart ,may it be a Gold or Simple Beautifull flower.

helping poor & giving happiness to them is the best Diwali blessing one can ever have hariom

Celebration
Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. “Lakshmi-Puja” is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans – devotional songs – in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and “Naivedya” of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess

To Ashram.org
Labh Pancham or Saubhagya Panchami
The final festival during the Diwali period is Labh Pancham on Kartik Sud Shukla paksha Panchami. It is also known as ‘Laakheni Panchmi’ and ‘Saubhaagya Panchmi” or Gyaan Panchami

The final festival during the Diwali period is Labh Pancham on Kartik. Pancham is an auspicious day to commence business. Devotes celebrate Pancham or Panchami by worshiping their books and praying for more knowledge. business men worship Goddess Lakshmi and open their accounts.
Ritual
Those who have not performed Shaarda Pujan on Diwali, perform pujan of their new ledgers today and ritually open their shops and businesses.

In the days following Diwali including today, people visit friends and relatives, to renew solidarity. Sweets and other items are offered to guests, symbolically ‘sweetening’ relations.

‘Labh’ means benefit. People today usually wish for material ‘labh’ such as: a good job, good in-laws, riches and so forth. Yet the scriptures and Sants or Saints inform us that the greatest Benefit’labh’ is human birth itself as itis able realize truth like Buddha Mahavitra & Adi Shankara.

With this one should endeavor for God-realization. glory of associating with Sant Samagam.
‘If one possesses as many ‘Chintamanis’ – wishing gems, as there are stones, and as many ‘Kalpa Vruksh’ – wishing trees,,even then one would be better off burning them in order to do ‘Sant Samagam.’ Satsanga ,the true wise saints

The greatest beneift (Laabh) or fortune of this human life is finding refuge in the most holy feets of a Sadh Guru by whose grace & mercy the real peace true happiness & infinite bliss is gained om shanti shanti shanti

The scriptures define ‘labh’ as:
Laabhasteshaam jayasteshaam kutasteshaam paraajayaha,
Yeshaam indeevarashyaam hrudayastho janaardanaha.
i.e. He is the true beneficiary and the truly victorious, who has installed the consort of Lakshmi, God Vishnu, in his heart.

Diwali then, is a festival of inner enlightenment. It is an occasion to eradicate one’s inner darkness, by renouncing any addictions, bad habits and ‘doshas’ – base instincts, by obeying the Shastras and the God-realized One then becomes ‘Brahmarup’ and is subsequently graced with the ultimate enlightenment – Parabrahman.

The second day of Shukla Paksh, the bright forthnight of Kartik is called Bhaiyaduj. There are various names of this Hindu festival. Known by the name of bhai-dooj Bhai Tika Bhathru Dwithiya Bhatri Ditya yamadwitheya

The festival of Bhai Dooj has a mythological background.

the story of
Yamuna the river Goddess

Sri Yamuna Ji

In various old temples of Northern India, River GoddessYamuna is shown on her tortoise, a symbol associated with creation in the Vedas. Even today tortoises can be found on the banks of the Yamuna

Story of Brother Yama & dear Sister Yamuna

Yamuna is next only to the Ganga in her sacredness, for the Hindus. According to legend, Yamuna was a great favourite daughter of her father Surya, the Sun god. Her mother Sanjna or Samjana or Sandhya could not bear to look at her bright and dazzling husband. As she looked upon him with “samyama” (meaning restraint in Sanskrit) their son was called Yama. In spite of Surya asking her to keep her eyes open in his presence, they sometimes flickered, and so the daughter was called Yamuna.

.

After the children were born, Samjna left her sister Chaaya (shadow) in her place pretending to be her, and returned to her parents’ home as she could not bear the Sun’s intense brightness. Once Chaaya bore children, she was not very compassionate towards Samjna’s children. One day, Yama, unable to tolerate Chaya’s cruelty any longer, stamped her foot hard. Enraged by this, Chaya cursed that him to lose his foot. Yamuna his beloved sister could not bear this injustice. She came to Earth and prayed for the curse to be revoked.

Yama Raja, the Hindu God of Death, visited his twin-sister Yami on the Ditya Day after a long period of separation. Yami gave a warm welcome to his brother. This she did by applying tilak on Yama’s forehead. She performed arti on him and treated him with a very delicious meal. Yama was highly pleased with the welcome meted out to him. He proclaimed that brothers who share a meal with their sisters on the auspicious ‘Dooj’ day will never face trouble in their lives. The tradition continues even today. Bhatri Ditya is religiously carried out by brothers and sisters in India. Brothers take bath in the Yamuna river and visit their sisters place for the Bhatri Ditya ceremony.

In memory of this profound love between brother and sister, bhai dooj is celebrated in various parts of the country. Sisters pray for their brothers to have a long life and brothers vow to look after and protect their sisters. This is when the “rakhi” is also tied.

According to popular legend in Hindu mythology, after slaying the evil demon Narkasur, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately adorned a tilak on Krishna’s forehead with due respect and love. Some believe this to be the origin of the festival. The auspicious celebrations of Bhai dooj reflects the rich cultural traditions of different region of India. Besides, this as this festival brings the whole family together bringing in prosperity, well being and luck, this festival is considered highly significant.

All the rituals and pooja held on Bhai Dooj is carried out in a festive pooja room or platform that is basically decorated for Diwali pooja. Sisters adorn their pooja thali with sumptuous sweets, mouth-watering ‘batashas’, roli and rice along with the coconut. Igniting the pooja lamp they perform all the rituals that involves applying a tikka made of sandalwood paste accompanied with lawn turf (dubbo) and holi chawal. After applying tikka, the sister pampers her brother with delectable eatables along with the sweets, coconut etc. In return, the brother gratifies his dear sisters with a wide variety of gifts

There are various distinct ways in which this beautiful festival is solemnized. But the features that are common in all rituals is the act of smearing a tilak of roli (vermilion), kesar (saffron) and rice on the brother’s forehead by their sister as a mark of their love and protection.

Bhai Dooj festival is also known by the name of Yamadwitheya. We all know that this festival celebrates the beauty of the eternal bond of love and affection between a brother and a sister. The festival is the last day of the diwali celebrations. This falls on the second day after Diwali and the next day after new moon night. Dhanatrayodashi, Narakchaturdashi, Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan), Balipratipada and Yamadvitiya also called Bhai Dooj are the five days which comprise Diwali. Each day is associated with a religious significance.

Yamadwitheya Legend
One of the most commonly told legend of Bhai Dooj is the tale of Yamaraj, the Hindu mythological god of Death. The reason why the festival is also know as Yamadwitheya is from the legend of god Yama Raja himself. Story says that Yamaraj met his twin-sister Yami or Yamuna after a long period of separation. The day was ‘Dwitheya’ or ‘Dooj Day’ (second day after new moon). When Yami saw her brother after a long period of time, she was very happy and she welcomed Dharam Raj (another name for Yama) wholeheartedly. She applied red tilak on his brother’s forehead and treated him a sumptuous meal. Yamaraj was very happy receiving such a warm reception from his sister. It was due to this he announced that whosoever receives a teeka from his sister on the day of ‘Dooj’ will not be hurled to hell. Hence the day is also referred as Yamadwitheya.

Yamadwitheya Ceremony
Just as Yamaraj and his sister Yami met on that auspicious day, even today brothers, visit their sister on the ‘Dwithiya Day’ and have a meal with her. The custom is called ‘Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam’, which means ‘Having meal by the hands of the sister’. It is a ritual to worship Lord Yama and his record keeper, Chithragupta on this day. Many people consider it important to take a bath in the river Yamuna on this festival. Early in the morning, after taking bath and offering prayer to God, sisters perform arti of their brothers. They apply red teeka made of sindoor, chandan and kesar and give them a sweet to eat. While performing these rituals sisters also pray for their brothers long, healthy and prosperous life. Brothers in turn bless their sisters and as a token of love present them with gifts or some cash.

Yamadwitheya Celebration
Yamadwitheya of Bhai Dooj is quite a popular festival amongst Hindus in India. With full gusto, the festival is celebrated. Brothers and sisters have a get together on Yamadwitheya and strengthen their relationship, sharing childhood memories of togetherness. Gifts are exchanged as a token of love. In a complete harmonious environment, the best of festive food is relished.

Another name of this famous Hindu festival of Bhai Dooj Bhaiyya Dooj is Bhatri Ditya. To strengthen the pure love & beautiful bond shared between a brother and a sister, the festival Bhatri Ditya is celebrated. This is considered a part of Diwali celebrations. It is the the last day of overall Diwali celebrations in the Hindu month of Kartik, which is usually the month of October or November. ‘Ditya’ in the term ‘Bhatri Ditya’ implies that the festival falls on the second day after new moon. ‘Bhatri’ means brother. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long and happy life on this day and there is a spirit of harmony and bonhomie in the entire family because it is a kind of family get together on the auspicious occasion.

Join the Akhand Mantra Jaap of Maha Mriyunjaya Mantra
Akhanda Jaap for the world peace and prosperous new year. This is the great way to start our New Year.
to ashram.org

Ashram
काली चौदस / मासिक शिवरात्रि
Kali Chaudas Narak Chaturdashi 12 nov 2012
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as “Chhoti Diwali” or Kali Chaudas is a Hindu festival, which falls on the second day of the festival of Diwali.
Kali means Dark and Chaudas – Fourteenth. Thus, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Kartik, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti.

The Second Day of most holy festival Deepavali is called Narak-Chaturdashi or more popularly as Chhoti Diwali which falls on the 14th day of the month of Kartik. This festival is observed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king, Narkasur. This day is also celebrated as the birthday of Hanumanji in spiritual form or Hanuman jayanti. Also, on this day Hanumanji reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Shree Sita Rama’s return. Just like diwali people light diyas on chhoti diwali to fill their homes with light, worship Goddess Laxmi and offer prayers to Her and they also burst firecrackers

Also referred to as Narak-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine light on life.

Narak Chaturdashi Snan is considered as the most auspicious ritual to perform on this day. It is believed that this festival marks the ending of darkness and beginning of brightness or happiness in the world.

Narak Chaturdashi:
The prayer to chant just before Naraka Chaturdashi Snan:

The strength to protect others is referred as Kali,
The poojan is performed with flowers Coconuts are also offered as prashad to Hanumanji.

Kali means Dark ( the destroyer of evil ) and Chaudas – Fourteenth. Thus, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Āshwin month, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti and is believed that on this day mother goddess Kaali killed the wickedest.

Also referred to as Narak-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine light on life. The strength to protect others is referred as Kali, and if its used for God’s work is called Mahakali.
The poojan is performed with oil, flowers, Chanda and Coconuts are also offered to Hanumanji and prasad
The rituals of Kali Choudas is strongly based on Tantra & Mantra sadhana concept of Spiritual Hinuduism

On this night, the kajal made from the diya or deepam with mustard oil (Sarsoo ka tel )in it, which is kept lightened the whole night has special powers,application of this kajal in the eyes or on babies forehead, is believed to keep away the nazar (evil eye).

After the puja, the diyas are placed in and around the house: in the doorway, near the Tulasi plant.
This night is very special for Mantra Siddhi

Alternatively, people offer Nivedya to the goddess This goddess is called their ‘Kul Devi’, in order to cast off evil spirits. The second day of Diwali is known as Kali Choudas .

This day celebrates the victory of the Lord Shri Krishna & his consort Satyabhama over the evil demon of filth, Narakasura.

Celebration & Traditions

The Story of King Bali :
With his valour Bali conquered every bit of space, thus he became the most powerful king on earth. In his kingdom, justice was mere word, truth had no place and happiness was a dream. His form of charity was an occasion for pomp and show and those who went to seek Alms from the king Bali suffered the indignity of insults and humiliation. In fact, he felt that the vast wealth will remain and the pittance he handed out now and again could not affect even an iota of his asset. His false beliefs, arrogance and misrule ended when the Lord disguised as beggar and humble proved to Bali that his concepts were totally wrong and even his vast wealth could disappear in seconds. King Bali asked the dwarf beggar to ask for anything in his kingdom and with three steps even his crown vanished. With his first step Lord Vishnu covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to keep his third step. Bali offered his head and became spiritually enlightened. Thus, this festival has a far deeper significance than a mere exhibition of gaiety and splendor. The Narak chaturdashi day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and the elimination of greed.

Celebrations :
In South-India, people wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, which is called ‘Ubtan’, on their foreheads and then take bath.
Bathing after rubbing oil on body on this morning of Narak Chaturdashi gives Long Life & good Health

Story of Narakchaturdashi from Srimad Bhagvad Maha Puraan

In Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna, the ascendant of Lord Vishnu, killed the notorious demon Narakasura on the same day as that of Diwali.

Narakasura was the son of Goddess Bhoomi. Despite of a great parentage, he possessed devilish tendencies.
Narakasura gota boon that he may be only killed by the hands of a women as he considered them to be weak he thought he would become immortal.
After getting this boon he started terrrifying all the three worlds.
He used to loot the people of three worlds and due to the supernatural powers he had nobody could stop him. Not only he plundered their valuable things, but abducted the womenfolk too. There was a terror of Narakasura everywhere.

Once Narakasura attacked the heavens to get hold of the army of elephants of Lord Indra. Indra being helpless before the demon, immediately to Lord Krishna to ask for help. Krishna at that time was spending a leisurely time with his wife Satyabhama. In order to fulfill both his duties as a friend and as a husband he took Satyabhama at the battlefield.

On his divine vehicle Garuda (a giant eagle), Lord Krishna set for the fort of Narakasura. His grand fort was guarded by a five headed demon Mura.

Lord shri Krishna destroyed all his forts and raksha kavachs along with the whole army of demons.

With his Sudarshana flying discus, Krishna beheaded Mura and then challenged Narakasura to come to fight on the battlefield.

It was an easy victory for great Shri Krishna. Narakasura was killed by Goddess Satyabhama inthe battle.The killing of Narakasura again takes us to the message that it is inevitable for virtue and truth to win over vice and evil.

Haribodhini or Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Jagi Dev uthi ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during the waxing phase of moon (Shukl Paksh) in the month of Kartik (October – November). On this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up from his Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) after the four holy months of the rainy season (Chaturmaas). This Ekadashi also marks the official end of Chaturmaas.

The greatness of observing a fast on Dev Prabodhini Ekadasi was narrated to Sage Narada by Lord Brahma and is found in the Skand Puraan.

Lord Brahma said to Narada Muni, “O best of the brahmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the Ganges remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadashi does not come. This sacred Ekadashi is more powerful in nullifying sin than one thousand Ashvamedha sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices.

The sins a person has accumulated over a thousand previous births are burned to ashes if he not only fasts but also remains awake throughout Ekadashi night, just as a mountain of cotton can be burned to ashes if one lights a small fire in it. Even if one does a small amount of pious activity on this day, following the rules and regulations, one will earn merit equal to Mount Sumeru in volume.

Anyone who observes Haribodhini Ekadasi is celebrated as highly qualified and makes his dynasty famous. As death is certain, so losing one’s wealth is also certain.Knowing this, O best of sages, one should observe a fast on this day so dear to Hari – Shri Haribodhini Ekadashi.

Haribodhini Ekadashi is the best Ekadashi. Nothing is unobtainable or rare in this world for one who fasts on this day, for it gives food grains, great wealth, and high merit, as well as eradication of all sin. Again I say to you, O Naradaji, whatever merit is earned by one who bathes in a place of pilgrimage, performs sacrifices, and studies the Vedas, is only one ten-millionth the merit earned by the person who fasts but once on Haribodhini Ekadashi.”

If a devotee does “aarti” of Lord Shri Hari on this holy day with camphor (capoor) or with karpooram on this holy day of Deva Jagi ekadashi specially at the evening time, then s/he is protected “life long” by the Lord from untimely death (akaal-mrityu) due to accidents, bomb blasts, etc. In these times of uncertainty, all readers are requested to kindly benefit from this precept of our scriptures by performing the Lord’s “aarti” with camphor on this day.

Tasmayi Shri Guruve NamahaThe Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana MaharshiINTRODUCTION"Who am I?" is the title given to a set of questions and answers bearing on Self-enquiry. The questions were put to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi by one Sri M. Sivaprakasam Pillai about the year 1902. Sri Pillai, a graduate in Philosophy, was at the time employed in t […]

Tasmayi Shri Guruve NamahaBhaja GovindamBy Sri Adi Sankaracharya (and his disciples)The Acharya is believed to have composed the Bhajagovindam during his famous pilgrimage to Kashi (Benares). The fourteen disciples are said to have accompanied him. The story goes that when he was walking along the streets of Kashi, he was pained to observe an elderly man try […]

Youtube kartikarjun

Jai Guru Dev

This Blog is an Humble attempt to spread the Divine Message of Pujjya BapuJi & Dedicated at the Lotus feets Shri Jai Shree Krishna VishwaGuru Of the Age.

The essence of Bharata lies in Her culture of Self-realization. ParamAtman is not seen as something apart, but as our very essence, the one True Self that resides in the heart of us all. Raising ourselves from ordinary individuals to the heights of Supreme Consciousness is only possible with the guidance of one who is already in that transcendent state. Such a one is called a Satguru, a True Yogi, as in one who has gained mastery over the mind, one who is beyond the mind.

From ancient times up to the present day, an unbroken succession of Self-realized Saints have incarnated in the Land of Yogis & Saints Bharata to lead seekers of Truth to the ultimate reality.